Best starter motorcycle?

Question

I'm looking to get a used sportsbike within the next 6 months and I don't know which will be best to start out with. I really like the Kawasaki Ninja 600. They're really comfortable to ride and I REALLY like the way they look. However, I don't know if it'll be a good starter bike for me. I'm about 5'5"-5'6" and weigh about 105lbs. (I'm little....I know.) I've been told to get a Honda CBR as those are "girly bikes" or to get a Suzuki Gixxer 600. Which rocket is best for a woman my size? Oh! And please don't try to discourage me from getting a bike. I'm getting one regardless so you're just wasting your time as well as mine. Thanks!!

I have VERY long legs so touching the ground comfortably is NO problem. Even on a bike with stock height.

Answer 1

Discourage you ????? NO, I wouldn't do that... What I would like to do is ask you to please consider the following suggestions. Please discuss them with family or friends, but please, seriously consider them.

1) Enroll in the Beginner / Intermediate / Expert Motorcycle Safety Course in your area. Yeah, you can't take them all at once. I am very encouraged that you would call yourself a "Beginner" in your question; I hope that when planning every ride that you will use the same OUTSTANDING judgment of your abilities and ENJOY every ride.
www.msf-usa.org

2) Though there are many good used bikes out there, I would suggest a dealer in new & used. I realize they tend to be brand specific, so this will require some driving around. But, you should be able to take the bike into the parking lot to check proper seat height (this can be adjusted, but it does cost), handle bar placement (another mod), foot peg and controls, and finally the over all feel. Some dealerships have small courses available to try out the slow speed handling and such. These would be good places to visit.

3) Find an EXPERIENCED rider to help you in your selection. Now, I will bet $100.00 right now, that you are a very pretty 5'6"-105lbs. of pure spunk. (and Smart, too). So, getting the guys that happen to hang around where you happen to be at any given time, to give advice would proably not be the best source of information. I don't doubt that the guys are good riders, but us "old men" that you see on the roads driving all sorts of bikes tend to have many years of experience (like 20 years or 25, 30, even 40). And, speaking for us old geezers, we would be happy to offer our opinions, observations, and advice to a pretty young gal who asks and shows an interests in not only being a good motorcyclist, but a safe one as well.

I hope you find this helpful.
As for which bike, I am a cruiser rider myself, but a good used CBR wouldn't be bad. And you can always modify down the road or the resell is pretty good.

Good Luck and Safe Rides

Answer 2

my best advice is to take the beginners rider safety course before getting a bike because you might find something in your class that you like. For that matter you might find something you absolutely hate then go to as many dealers as possible and find the bike that feels right for you. Remember that there are two types of riders those who have been down and those who will be down. You will fall but you'll be even more determined to get right back up and try it again. The bike I learned on was a Suzuki SV650 I moved over to a Suzuki GS500. The GS is a good bike right height for us women riders, enough engine to keep us happy while we learn and durable for the drops that happen when learning and they keep their value unlike some bikes that loose value right away.

Answer 3

I say if you are comfortable on the Ninja then you are heading in the right direction. My first bike was a Buell Blast, which was comfortable for me as I'm only 5' tall. Have you taken a motorcycle safety course? The course I took discussed how to choose the right bike. I recommend the courses offered by MSF. Not only do you get valuable advice and training, but it counts as a defensive driving course and can save you money on both motorcycle and car insurance and by passing the class I didn't have to take the DMV road test. I hope my info helps.

Answer 4

Ninja 250(msrp of 2,999) is an excellent starter bike, anything bigger than that isn't a good idea for a bigger bike. and with a bike as cheap as the 250 you can resell (as it cant lose too much value) and get something bigger if you want in a year. the 250 is light, very very maneuverable, and with a top speed at about 110, it has enough speed and acceleration to last you till that bigger bike. i highly highle reccomend the ninja 250. a safety course wouuldnt hurt either

Answer 5

I recommend the Ninja 250 as well. It was my first bike years ago. I went through the whole, "Look at me, look at me!" squid thing with 600cc sportbikes.
What do I ride now? A Ninja 250. It's a great little bike for riders of any level of experience - light and nimble, it easily keeps up with bigger bikes in the twisties so long as you keep it spinning.

Answer 6

Try and get one no bigger than a 350. Ride it for a year and get the feel of the bike. running Ninja's can get away from you and cause you to wreck and get hurt. Start small and work your way up when you become more comfortable with riding bikes. good luck

Answer 7

Yamaha or Honda, one you can touch the ground comfortably on

Answer 8

Go with the one that fits you the best, and do not bypass a safety motorcycle class.